Lumbar spine fixation device

Abstract

A spine fixation device is described that includes an alignment plate having top and bottom surfaces for temporary attachment to a pair of adjacent vertebrae on a body, at least two surgical screws, and at least one spacer. The alignment plate is adapted not to move transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The plate includes at least two openings spaced from each other a distance such that at least two of the openings open onto adjacent vertebrae, and has a predetermined angle formed therein so as to position adjacent vertebrae at a predetermined angle. The adjacent vertebrae are thus fixedly secured at the predetermined angle by the plate.

1. A method of fixing the spine, comprising the steps of:
 attaching an alignment plate to a pair of adjacent vertebrae on a body; 
 placing a pair of surgical screws through the alignment plate into adjacent vertebrae so as to position adjacent vertebrae at a predetermined angle with respect to each other; 
 drilling at least one hole into or between the adjacent vertebrae on each side of the alignment plate, said alignment plate holding the adjacent vertebrae at the predetermined angle while the holes are being drilled; 
 placing a hollow sleeve in operative contact with the alignment plate and using the hollow sleeve to guide the drilling; and 
 placing a spinal fixation implant through the hollow sleeve and into the intervertebral space.